Rec center has new program coordinator

By Eileen M. Daly

Jill Goldstein, who was an intern with the parks and recreation department last summer, was recently hired as the new program supervisor for the department. Photo by Eileen Daly Jill Goldstein, a recent graduate of New Hampshire's Colby- Sawyer College, has accepted the position of program supervisor at the Jamestown Recreation Center, which operates under the auspices of the Jamestown Parks and Recreation Department.

As program supervisor, Goldstein is responsible for the development and implementation of recreational programs. Her work includes the staffing and supervision of employees at Mackerel Cove Town Beach, program development for the Jamestown Summer Playground, and program development for the recreation center, among other things. The center offers pre-school through adult programs. Goldstein is an enthusiastic and energetic young woman who says she is, "thrilled to be the new program supervisor. All of my colleagues are helpful and great to work with, and Bill Piva is a wonderful boss." Last year, she served as an intern at the center in order to fulfill her college requirements. Asked to stay on after her internship hours were met, she readily agreed. When the new program supervisor position opened this year, she applied and was accepted.

Goldstein describes herself as a summer transplant. She spent summers on the island during her childhood and became a permanent resident during her high school years. She graduated from Colby-Sawyer's sport management program in May, which she described as a business program with a sports concentration. Prior to entering Colby-Sawyer College, she considered teaching as a profession. After working at the Jamestown Early Learning Center for a time, she ultimately decided to parlay her love of sports and recreation into a career choice.

Though many of her fellow sports management graduates focused on athletic director positions, Goldstein said she was always interested in a position in recreation. She loves the diversity of the position and the opportunity to work with so many creative people. She also enjoys working with different age groups and said the program supervisor position affords her that opportunity.

Of all the programs that Goldstein is involved in, she said she has a special affection for the Jamestown Summer Playground and refers to it as, "my baby." Each week, the summer camp is given a different theme and activities are tailored to meet that theme. "Pirates of Jamestown" week to a "Wet and Wild" week, which involves water balloons, a trip to a water park, and lots of wet but happy children enjoying the summer in Jamestown, are some of the planned events. The program runs for eight weeks. It begins June 23 and runs through Aug. 13. Children ages 5 to 13 are welcome to participate.

The recreation center offers a wide variety of programs and includes such things as yoga, tennis, and Pilates. Goldstein is quick to point out that the center also offers a number of creative arts courses. There is a creative arts camp and the teen center offers some artistic programs as well. One of the more creative courses is titled, "Dance Your Animal." It does not however, involve teaching your Chihuahua or pet iguana the tango, but rather is a creative movement class that encourages the imitation of animal movements as a method of expression.

Goldstein is excited about the future of the recreation center and hopes to expand some programs. She has already begun to focus on the girl's softball league, recently taking the initiative to contact North Kingstown's recreation director, Al Southwick, to arrange a game. The girl's junior league softball game took place May 30 and though North Kingstown won, Goldstein said she was pleased with their "not too shabby," 6-9 showing.

Another goal she is focused on is the establishment of a sailing program. She would love to initiate a program that makes sailing available to anyone who has an interest. Finally, Goldstein is planning to work closely with the director of the teen center. Last year's Skate-Fest was a big success and plans are being made to host another one in August. Current teen Center hours are Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The summer Teen Center hours will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Recreation Center is located at 41 Conanicus Avenue.